Ramipril is a medicine belonging to the class of medicines known as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors. This medication is used to treat conditions like Hypertension,...
Ramipril is a medicine belonging to the class of medicines known as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors. This medication is used to treat conditions like Hypertension, (High blood pressure), Kidney disease, Heart Failure and help patients recover their cardiac health after a heart attack.
The dosage of Ramipril being taken depends on factors like the condition being treated, the patient’s individual response , as well as tolerance to the medicine.
Ramipril like many medications has side effects, most of the common ones are mild and tend to lower with continued use. Ramipril uses and side effects depend on the condition, the patient’s individual health, their response and finally tolerance to the medicine. This article aims to give you a brief overview of Ramipril uses and side effects, as well as its indications.
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Ramipril is a medicine that belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors) . There are quite a few answers to the question “What is Ramipril medication used for ?” Its primarily used to treat key cardiovascular and kidney related conditions.
Rampiril works by relaxing blood vessels, lowering pressure in the body’s system and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Ramipril’s mechanism of action involves blocking the enzyme that produces a hormone called angiotensin II which causes the blood vessel to narrow.
Ramipril is used in the treatment of conditions such as:
Ramipril is taken as an oral tablet once or twice a day depending on the prescription and recommendation by doctor.
Image 1: Ramipril helps to lower hypertension in the body:
Ramipril works by targeting a hormone cascade in the body known as the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS). The RAAS System normally plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure, fluid balance and the health of the blood vessel.
Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor) that works by blocking the enzyme (ACE) which converts Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II has 2 primary functions:
By blocking ACEi, Ramipril helps reduce the workload on the heart and also widens blood vessels to ease circulation of organ rich blood to the organs of the body like the heart, kidney and liver.
Ramipril used for hypertension also helps to relax the blood vessels supplying the kidneys and thereby reduces strain on the kidneys and prevents damage, especially in conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
The dosing guidelines and dose ranges for Ramipril depends on factors like the condition being treated, your individual medical history and how you respond to medicines. Different conditions have different dose ranges, maximum recommended doses and ramipril dosage side effects.
The normal dose of Ramipril depends on the condition being treated, the patient’s medical history and how they respond to medicine. The following are some typical dosing guidelines for some common conditions:
You maybe asking “what is the highest dose of Ramipril you can take ?” Well the answer to this question is that the maximum dose for ramipril is typically 20mg a day but this can vary depending on the condition you are treating. For conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), it is typically 20mg. However for conditions like post-heart attack, prophylactic for high-risk patients or for chronic kidney disease, the maximum dose is 10mg. This Ramipril highest dose can be taken as a single dose or split into two over the day, please speak to your healthcare provider about which option is best for you. Please don’t take higher than the recommended maximum doses of Ramipril, as taking medicines above this ramipril dose range can be a ramipril overdose amount and lead to an overdose.
The typical starting Ramipril dosage for high blood pressure is 2.5mg once daily, however this is steadily increased to a maintenance dose of 2.5-10mg per day either as a single dose or divided into two.
The exact dosage will depending on factors such as your tolerance, individual health and individual response.
The maximum ramipril dose for high blood pressure is 20mg daily, however this can also be taken at once or split into two.
Please speak to your healthcare provider about which dose of ramipril is right for you treating your high blood pressure.
If you miss a dose of Ramipril, take it as soon as you remember, especially if it’s not too close to your next dose.
If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose, continue with your regular schedule and take the next dose on time.
If you find that you are frequently forgetting doses. you may consider it helpful to set a reminder.
Missing a single dose is not usually harmful but missing multiple doses cam impact blood pressure control
If you are unsure about how regular you have been with your doses, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdosing on Ramipril can cause serious side effects such as:
If someone overdoses on Ramipril, Lay the person flat on their back especially if they feel faint or dizzy and call emergency services (911 or applicable local number) as soon as possible.
You should aim to take Ramipril at the same time each day, with or without food
It may be best to take it in the morning to help you establish a routine with your medicine
Ramipril starts working within a few hours of you taking it, however it’s full effects begin to be seen within 1-2 hours of taking a dose. The peak blood pressure lowering effect can be seen 3-6 hours after taking your dose. Full benefit of taking the medicine comes from regular use over 2-4 weeks to help with blood pressure control.
The time Ramipril stays in your system depends on its half-life, metabolism and elimination process.
The active metabolite in Ramipril has a half-life of 13-17 hours, allowing it to maintain its blood pressure lowering effects for 24 hours and be effective with the once daily dosing schedule.
It takes around 5-7 days for the body systems (kidneys and liver) to excrete the ramipril compound from the body after you stop taking it. However these are mostly inactive metabolites that are being excreted.
Ramipril is generally a well tolerated drug however you may be asking: “What are the side effects of Ramipril ?” Ramipril, like most medications, has a few side effects (as illustrated in picture 2). Most side effects are mild and occur particularly when first taking the drug, these usually improve over time. Some are rarer and more serious however and its advisable to watch out for these and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.
Ramipril is generally a well tolerated drug but it can cause some side effects, especially when one first starts taking it. Most blood pressure tablet ramipril side effects are mild and improve over time. The most common side effects include:
Long term side effects of Ramipril include:
Serious but rare side effects include:
For mild and common side effects – it is best to wait and watch as the body usually adjusts
If the persistent cough is bothersome – it is best to speak to your doctor about switching Ramipril for another blood pressure medication
If you experience severe reactions, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you experience swelling, difficulty breathing or severe dizziness.
Image 2: Side Effects of Ramipril
Certain foods and drinks can interact with Ramipril and improve/lower its effectiveness or increase risk of side effects.
Taking Alcohol with Ramipril can increase dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up. It can exacerbate the low blood pressure side effects of taking ramipril. Limit alcohol intake while taking Ramipril or stop drinking alcohol if you feel unwell after drinking.
Caffeinated drinks like Coffee can raise blood pressure and may counteract the effects of blood pressure medication such as Ramipril.
Foods to avoid while taking Ramipril include foods that are especially high in potassium as Ramipril already raises blood potassium levels. Pairing it with foods high in potassium can lead to muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. Some of these foods include:
There are certain medications to avoid taking when you are on Ramipril, some of these include:
Please speak to your healthcare advisor about the medications you are currently on and if you have any concerns about drug interactions with Ramipri.
There are several other medications that can be used as alternatives to Ramipril to treat conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney protection. Some of these options include:
The option that you choose as an alternative to Ramipril depends on factors like your condition and what Ramipril tablets are for, your individual response and any side effects you display. Please speak to your healthcare advisor about alternative options to Ramipril that may suit you best.
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